MK Tali Gottlieb Condemns National Insurance Deputy CEO for Calling Autism Benefits 'Income'

MK Tali Gottlieb, mother of a 15-year-old autistic daughter, strongly criticized Tzvika Cohen, acting CEO of the National Insurance Institute, after he referred to disability benefits for children with autism as "income." Gottlieb expressed deep frustration and pain over Cohen's remarks, emphasizing that these payments are not income but essential support for the daily care and survival of her daughter. She detailed the intensive care her daughter requires, including full anesthesia dental treatments, special nail cutting techniques, and constant supervision to prevent self-harm, highlighting the immense challenges faced by families of severely autistic children.

Gottlieb demanded that Cohen retract his statement, calling it offensive and insensitive. She stated that if she were the Minister of Welfare, she would immediately suspend Cohen for 14 days due to the severity of his comments and their impact on his role as a public servant. Gottlieb's response came via a video and social media posts, where she also condemned Cohen's lack of understanding of the realities faced by families with autistic children.

The controversy sparked a public debate about the perception and treatment of disability benefits in Israel, with Gottlieb's remarks drawing attention to the struggles of raising a child on the autism spectrum and the critical nature of government support for these families.